The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See "Diversity Requirement" in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education Requirements.

U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals: 6 units

See "U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals" under "Bachelor's Degree Requirements". This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155 or approved equivalents. Courses used to satisfy this requirement do not apply to General Education.

Literacy Requirement:

See Math and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule
for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 51-63 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option or advising pattern, are outlined following the major core program requirements.

An introduction to the styles and formats used in writing for radio, television, multimedia, and the Web. Writing includes commericals/public service announcements, news, and informational programming. 3 hours lecture.
(001638)

This course is an introduction to the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of digital photography. Emphasis is placed on developing visual competence in the creation and consumption of lens-based imagery. Course content includes the basics of camera and digital production techniques for color and black and white photographs that are produced as exhibition-quality prints and on-screen imagery. Includes a broad-based survey of photo history, contemporary theory, and current issues related to the practice of photography. Open to non-majors. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
(001654)

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.

Study of various approaches to the critical examination of communication. Application of principles to selected examples. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Communication Design. 2 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion. This is an approved Writing Proficiency course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
(001668)

Students will acquire a qualitative understanding of how various information and communication technologies work, the social needs that drive technology developments, and the future impact of new information technologies on work and society. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Communication Design. 3 hours discussion.
(001659)

Major Option Course Requirements: 33-45 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.

The Option in Graphic Design: 45 units

Laptop Requirement

To complete this program, the student must have the use of a laptop computer. Please consult with the department for current hardware and software requirements. Students qualify to receive special education discounts on computers and software sold through the Associated Students Bookstore (an Apple authorized campus store). For some programs, in an effort to lower student expenses, bundles consisting of a specially priced Apple laptop computer with the program's required software will be made available at the beginning of each academic year through the Associated Students Bookstore. This laptop computer package is expected to serve the student for the entire length of the program.

Orientation to the visual portfolio process and review. Required for students in the CDES Visual Communication/Graphic Design sequence. Successful completion of the course with a grade of CR is necessary for entry into CDES 332, CDES 333, and CDES 334. Review of individual work by faculty committee. 2 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading.
(001646)

A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 3 hours discussion.
(001773)

Portfolio Requirement

The successful completion of a Portfolio Review is necessary for entry into upper-division Graphic Design course work. The portfolio is comprised of work from ARTS 125, CDES 132, CDES 206, CDES 230, and CDES 283, and is reviewed by Communication Design faculty.

Post-Portfolio Courses: 21 units

Introduction to typographic and diagramatic information design with an emphasis on improving the accessibility and usability of complex data for print and interactive media. Topics include principles of visual and typographic composition, visual perception and cognition, visual symbols, visual representations of hierarchical structures and quantitative information, interaction and navigation in visual interface design. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software.
(001750)

The course is designed to expose visual communication students to significant graphic forms, personalities, and movements. Students will relate symbolic, typographic, photographic, and illustrative imagery to informative and persuasive media. 3 hours discussion.
(001670)

Introduction to typographic syntax, with an emphasis on the organization and visual structure of typographic information. Topics include principle of composition, form-counterform relationships, modular grids, proportion, and visual hierarchy. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software.
(001672)

The course focuses on business aspects of graphic design and developing a portfolio for presentations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software.
(001797)

Exploration of letterforms; historical through contemporary. Alphabet development and modification for visual communication. Experience with traditional letterform techniques and how they interface with current computer technologies. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
(001669)

Other majors require instructor permission. Study of methods, materials, and techniques used by designers to translate literary or verbal messages into visual terms. Designed to equip students with foundation techniques for interpreting and explaining visual concepts. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
(001671)

Project-based course designed to develop the student's ability to function as a multimedia development team member. Emphasis on design and development of multimedia programs for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. 3 hours discussion.
(001774)

An introduction to the design of messages, artifacts, and experiences that integrate sustainable practices with graphic design. Students become familiar with the major sustainability principles frameworks and tools by applying them to hands on projects. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software.
(001755)

Introduction to time-based information design and kinetic typography, exploring relationships between music and typographic composition for new media. Topics include historical relationships between music and typography, form and space, hierarchy and structure, texture and depth, time and movement. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software.
(001681)

Prerequisites: CDES 396 with a grade of C or higher or faculty permission.

This course addresses the development and execution of a single photography project culminating in a final portfolio. Individual research on historic and contemporary photo-practices is expected. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
(001794)

The Option in Mass Communication Design: 39 units

Students take the Option Core for 18 units and select 21 units of elective courses from the Writing, Technical, and Criticism Groups for a total of 39 units.

Option Core: 18 units

This course will explore the elements of visual design as they apply to the production of video and film. An overview of visual literacy will be given, and the application of these elements to the critical analysis of video and film productions will be discussed. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher. 3 hours lecture.
(001649)

An introduction to the application of media and learning theories that emphasize efforts and practices on designing, developing, delivering, and assessing the effects of digital media on the development of consumers' knowledge, perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. The understanding and awareness of the impact of media on both intentional and incidental learning will be explored. 3 hours discussion.
(001684)

An examination of the economic principles and concepts needed to understand the workings of the electronic media industries. Applications and examples are selected to illuminate current media trends. 3 hours discussion.
(001757)

This course examines the development of radio/television formats, programming types, ideology, and genres from historical and critical standpoints. The impact on cultural functions, political agendas, social judgment, art forms, and human communication will be addressed through interpretation of mediated content. 3 hours discussion.
(001771)

Motion picture beginnings. How production, distribution, and use developed to make motion pictures a powerful medium for mass communication. The significance of the motion picture as an entertainment, education, information, and propaganda device meeting unique social needs and purposes. Open to non-majors. 3 hours discussion.
(001677)

This seminar is the capstone course for the Option in Mass Communication Design. It is intended to provide students with an intensive collaborative experience in critique of the design of mass communication channels, programs, and aritfacts. 3 hours seminar.
(020659)

Writing Group: 3 units

An analysis of the role of the copywriter in the creation of media advertising. Emphasis on effective copywriting. Training in the creation of complete campaigns. Includes brief study of ethics and regulations of advertising. 3 hours lecture.
(001666)

An advanced writing course for non-print media which provides experience in writing narrative scripts for television and film. Consideration will be given to format and style as well as aspects of dramatic structure. 3 hours lecture.
(001721)

Students taking the course for the Minor in Education should request faculty permission. An introduction to the area of media for instruction and training. The course is divided into three general areas: (1) Hardware; (2) Theory; (3) Application. Students will design and carry out plans for actual use of media in teaching and learning situations. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory.
(001640)

A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 3 hours discussion.
(001773)

Examines the use of computer systems and technology in expanding and improving traditional communication methods. The role of computers in production and distribution of mass media forms will be studied as well as implications for individualizing information and communication modules with large automated information data bases connected to terminals in the home or office. Telecommunication networks using satellites, fiber-optics, packet switching burst communication transmissions will be explored. 3 hours discussion.
(001786)

Theory and techniques of video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of electronic field video production. The course includes all pre-production, production, and post-production videotape editing elements related to the production of all video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory.
(001720)

Criticism Group: 9 units

The origins and major movements in the area of the documentary film. The various uses relating to propaganda, social problems, and personal insight. Production motivations in seeking the mass audience through documentary. Open to non-majors. 3 hours discussion.
(001683)

The Option in Media Arts: 33 units

Option Core: 15 units

This course will explore the elements of visual design as they apply to the production of video and film. An overview of visual literacy will be given, and the application of these elements to the critical analysis of video and film productions will be discussed. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher. 3 hours lecture.
(001649)

Discussion and analysis of the function, structure, organization, operation, regulation, and economics of the various telecommunication industries, including broadcasting, cable, independent production, and other related new technologies. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher. Required for enrollment in upper-division Media Arts courses. 3 hours lecture.
(001651)

Prerequisites: CDES 261 (with a grade of C or higher) or faculty permission.

A review of the legal assumptions of telecommunication regulation; a review of the major legal issues, cases, and legislative acts which form the corpus of telecommunication regulation. 3 hours lecture.
(001718)

Theory and techniques of video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of electronic field video production. The course includes all pre-production, production, and post-production videotape editing elements related to the production of all video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory.
(001720)

Writing: 3 units

An analysis of the role of the copywriter in the creation of media advertising. Emphasis on effective copywriting. Training in the creation of complete campaigns. Includes brief study of ethics and regulations of advertising. 3 hours lecture.
(001666)

An advanced writing course for non-print media which provides experience in writing narrative scripts for television and film. Consideration will be given to format and style as well as aspects of dramatic structure. 3 hours lecture.
(001721)

Management: 3 units

An examination of the economic principles and concepts needed to understand the workings of the electronic media industries. Applications and examples are selected to illuminate current media trends. 3 hours discussion.
(001757)

Prerequisites: CDES 261 (with a grade of C or higher) or faculty permission.

A thorough review of the basics of broadcast and online programming practices and theory including both qualitative and quantitative audience analysis. Programming for broadcast, cable, satellite, premium, public, and online media are discussed and analyzed. 3 hours lecture.
(001762)

Provides students with opportunities to further define their skills and abilities in audio and/or video-related experiences. 3 hours discussion. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading.
(001764)

Note: CDES 469 must be taken for 3 units.

Production: 9 units

3 courses selected from:

Three courses are to be selected from the following two areas; at least one course must be selected from each area.

Theory and techniques of color video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of video production. This course includes pre-production and production elements related to the production of all video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory.
(001719)

Selected video production projects involving advanced techniques not covered in other production courses, including integration of other media forms into complete video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
(001759)

Computer Production Area

It is recommended that students who choose six units from computer production take them all from one department.

A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 3 hours discussion.
(001773)

For both majors and non-majors. The concepts of computer imaging and animation are taught in this project-based class. Focus is on the principles of animation and how they apply to current computer animation techniques. This class emphasizes both creative and technical skills. 1 hour discussion, 4 hours activity.
(002366)

Project-based course designed to develop the student's ability to function as a multimedia development team member. Emphasis on design and development of multimedia programs for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. 3 hours discussion.
(001774)

Introduction to time-based information design and kinetic typography, exploring relationships between music and typographic composition for new media. Topics include historical relationships between music and typography, form and space, hierarchy and structure, texture and depth, time and movement. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software.
(001681)

Theory, Aesthetics, or Performance: 3 units

This course examines the development of radio/television formats, programming types, ideology, and genres from historical and critical standpoints. The impact on cultural functions, political agendas, social judgment, art forms, and human communication will be addressed through interpretation of mediated content. 3 hours discussion.
(001771)

The origins and major movements in the area of the documentary film. The various uses relating to propaganda, social problems, and personal insight. Production motivations in seeking the mass audience through documentary. Open to non-majors. 3 hours discussion.
(001683)

Motion picture beginnings. How production, distribution, and use developed to make motion pictures a powerful medium for mass communication. The significance of the motion picture as an entertainment, education, information, and propaganda device meeting unique social needs and purposes. Open to non-majors. 3 hours discussion.
(001677)

The skills and techniques of announcing in audio, slide tape, film, and video presentations. Areas covered include copy interpretation and the objective delivery of scripted and ad-lib material in a variety of audio, film, video, and live presentations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
(001715)

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.

You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.

Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.

Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.

Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.

Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

Students may apply for admission to the Honors in the Major Program in the College of Communication and Education. In addition to other specific requirements, each Honors student will conduct and publicly present an original research project. Consult the honors advisor in the College of Communication and Education for specific details.

University Catalog
California State University, Chico
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Chico, CA 95929